MEN suffering from prostate cancer face a “postcode lottery” when it comes to treatment and support, campaigners have claimed.

Bolton West MP Julie Hilling has backed a Prostate Cancer UK initiative to help victims receive the best possible care and support, regardless of where they live.

The charity has produced a “quality checklist” to be used as a best practice guide for men and health professionals. This sets out 15 national standards for care and support that men with prostate cancer should expect and demand, from the point of their diagnosis through to the end of their life.

Ms Hilling showed her support for the drive at a campaigning event held at Westminster where she met with men affected by prostate cancer from across the country.

She said: “Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, yet the quality of care varies by area and region.

“It is incredibly important that we do all we can to ensure all men with prostate cancer get the care and support they need.”

Dr Sarah Cant, Director of Policy and Campaigns at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “There are over 215,000 men living with prostate cancer in England, many of whom have to make difficult treatment choices or cope with tough side effects.

“It’s not good enough that they also face a postcode.”